SIGNING: Neilson adds to Clan roster with Sato

The Glasgow Clan are delighted to announce the signing of Japanese international Yu Sato ahead of the upcoming 2024/25 season.

The 22-year-old is the latest signing for Corey Neilson’s team and comes to the UK after a couple of seasons in the KHL and VHL in Russia.

And he’s hoping to have something to celebrate as he spoke of his move and the latest chapter in his career ahead.

“I’m super excited to be joining the Clan and continue my career in the incredible city of Glasgow,” he said.

“I’ve heard a lot of very positive things about the fans and I’m looking forward to playing in front of the Purple Army.

“I hear they’re a very passionate group so I’m excited for the opportunity to get the chance to play in front of them.

“But I can’t wait to move over there, get to know everyone, explore the city and start chasing championships.”

Sato arrives from spells in the VHL with Dizel Penza, where he played 20 times, putting up six points (three goals and three assists).

This came after leaving KHL outfit Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, with whom he signed in August 2022, making 46 apperances, scoring five goals and adding five assists.

Prior to that, he spent two seasons with USHL side Lincoln Stars and impressed with 38 points (14 goals and 24 assists) from his 107 total outings for the team between 2020 and 2022.

Earlier this year, Sato was selected for Japan in their World Championships Division 1 Group A campaign, where he netted three times in his five appearances.

Head coach Corey Neilson welcomed him to the team and admits he liked what he saw as he was weighing up a move for him.

“Yu joins us with a really interesting resume,” he said. “He’s played sparingly at a very high level and I really liked the video of his game-play in the KHL and VHL.

“He skates well, has very good skill and also plays at the highest level for his country.  His English is good so he will learn and work well within our structure and comes to us with a prior connection of playing with Darien Kielb.”

Sato will wear the #8 jersey for the Clan in the new season.